Salmon River Falls Lower Dam Trail

Salmon River Falls Lower Dam Trail is a 2.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Richland, New York that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips and is best used from May until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

DISTANCE

2.6 miles

ELEVATION GAIN

101 feet

ROUTE TYPE

Out & Back

dogs on leash

kid friendly

hiking

nature trips

trail running

walking

forest

partially paved

river

waterfall

wild flowers

wildlife

bugs

muddy

over grown

rocky

I want to start by saying that this walk looked absolutely beautiful; however, I was not familiar with this area and brought my very active toddler on the walk and we had to turn around very early on for safety reasons. The path has a steep cliff for a majority of the walk and the guard rail is too tall to be effective for any super active little kiddos. Again, I would 100% come back another time but grandma and grandpa will most likely have to watch the little one.

A short hike (.2 mile) walk on a wheelchair/stroller accessible trail will take you to a couple of overlooks. The gorge trail (a very steep side trail) will take you down to the riverbed, for a look at the base of the falls. The area around the falls is restricted; meaning the you are not permitted to get up close to either the top or bottom. What you can see is still worth the short hike. You can continue on the river trail beyond the falls. We attempted this but found the trail too wet and too buggy. We turned back after about a 1/2 mike. Ample parking, no bathrooms.

Lovely easy hike. Huge steps to the bottom of the falls. Took the legion of doom (8,6,5,3 year olds) and they were able to navigate the steps down to the base. Lots of fun critters (snakes, fish, frogs). Was busy but a good quick walk out. Will do again!

I've been coming out here for about 5 years now. It's a great quick stop with incredible views. If you're short on time, but want great views to take countless pictures of, then this is it. There's a rim trail and a gorge trail (which is usually closed during the winter months). The rim trail is accessible throughout the year... we've been in all seasons.

The falls are beautiful and tall. They look phenomenal in any season. The gorge trail takes you right to the bottom of the falls. There's no swimming signs posted, but people regularly swim there. We were able to swim out and jump into the water from directly behind the falls. It was really fun.

The rim trail leads to a stairway that takes you right down to the Salmon River at the top of the falls. There's plenty of flat rock that you can walk on. Be very careful at the top because there are no railings or barriers. You can walk right to the edge of the falls.

The trail itself is easily accessible for kids and dogs. There's virtually no incline (unless you follow the gorge trail) except for the stairway to the river. There's also a couple of lookouts along the rim trail. I gave this 5 stars because of the sheer beauty and freedom to roam. It never gets old.

This one should be called Salmon River Falls. Good hike from the parking lot to the dam. Got to see the falls, which was really awesome. Loved the gorge trail, made it that much more interesting. If you're just going to see the falls then the trail is paved so don't need special shoes. if you want to go to the dam, hiking boots recommended, as you have cross a few streams to continue.